As the Labour Party (LP) faces growing internal discord, stakeholders and professionals within the party have issued a stern warning to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. They caution that his perceived role in the party’s current crisis could jeopardize both the party’s future and his political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Alliance for All Labour Party Professionals and Stakeholders (AALPS), led by Dr. Blessing Elaigwu, has criticized Obi for allegedly fostering division rather than uniting the party after the 2023 elections. The group accuses him of supporting attempts to undermine the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure, a move they believe has plunged the Labour Party into unnecessary legal battles.
“The infighting is not only stagnating the party but is also a betrayal of the trust millions of Nigerians placed in him during the 2023 elections,” Elaigwu said.
This critique comes as other political parties are already laying the groundwork for 2027, while the Labour Party remains mired in internal strife. The group claims that Obi’s alleged interference has shifted focus from consolidating gains made in 2023 to addressing avoidable leadership disputes.
Observers within and outside the Labour Party argue that the current discord could harm the party’s standing as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties. “The Labour Party should be building on its momentum, not tearing itself apart,” said a political analyst.
Some members of the public have also expressed disappointment, with many questioning why a party that once symbolized hope for millions appears unable to manage its internal affairs. “If the Labour Party cannot resolve its issues, how can it convince Nigerians it can govern the country effectively?” asked Tunde Ajayi, a Lagos-based political commentator.
The AALPS has urged Obi to resolve the crisis through dialogue, warning that prolonged litigation and division could alienate the electorate. They further stressed that the party’s progress should not hinge on a single individual, no matter how influential.
With a 48-hour ultimatum issued to engage in reconciliation, the ball is now in Obi’s court to either mend the fractures or risk losing the goodwill that catapulted him to prominence in 2023. As the nation watches closely, the Labour Party’s handling of its internal crisis could determine its trajectory for years to come.